Haze watch: Singapore wakes up to unhealthy air quality in central, eastern and western areas

Air quality in three of five regions in the Republic has slipped into the unhealthy range on Sunday (Sept 20) morning.

The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) at 9am ranged between 83 to 122 — in the moderate to unhealthy range — with central Singapore recording the highest reading of 122.

Central Singapore has recorded air quality in the unhealthy range since 1pm on Saturday .

Elsewhere, the western (104) and eastern (101) regions joined central Singapore in the unhealthy range.

Meanwhile, one-hour PM2.5 concentration reading is in the normal band for all five regions.

24-hour PSI forecast

The National Environment Agency (NEA) had said in its daily haze update on Saturday evening that the 24-hour PSI forecast is expected to remain in the high-moderate to mid-unhealthy range.

This is due to prevailing winds blowing from the east-southeast or southeast, which has brought smoke plumes from fires in Kalimantan and southern Sumatra towards Singapore, the agency explained.

"There is a risk of smoke haze affecting Singapore," NEA added.

Members of the public can refer to the one-hour PM2.5 reading if planning to participate in outdoor activities immediately, or the 24-hour PSI forecast for next-day activities.

They should note that the health impact of haze is dependent on one's health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity.

周日（9月20日）上午，共和国五个地区中的三个地区的空气质量已降至不健康水平。

上午 9 点的 24 小时污染物标准指数 (PSI) 介于 83 至 122 之间——处于中度至不健康范围——其中新加坡中部地区的读数最高，为 122。

自周六下午1点起，新加坡中部地区的空气质量一直处于不健康水平。

其他地方，西部（104）和东部（101）地区与新加坡中部地区一样，处于不健康的范围内。

与此同时，五个地区的PM2.5一小时浓度读数均处于正常范围内。

24小时PSI预测

国家环境局（NEA）在周六晚间的每日雾霾更新中表示，预计24小时空气污染指数（PSI）将保持在中高至中等不健康水平。

该机构解释说，这是由于盛行的东南风或东南风将加里曼丹岛和苏门答腊岛南部火灾产生的烟雾吹向新加坡所致。

“烟雾有可能影响新加坡，”国家环境局补充道。

公众如计划立即参加户外活动，可参考一小时 PM2.5 读数；如计划参加次日活动，可参考 24 小时 PSI 预报。

他们应该注意到，雾霾对健康的影响取决于个人的健康状况、PSI 值以及户外活动的持续时间和强度。